Landlord / Tenant refers to the relationship between (1) the owner or lessor (landlord) of residential or commercial real property known as the leased premises and (2) the occupant or lessee (the tenant) of the leased premises—often a home or office building or space. This relationship is defined by the (usually written) lease agreement signed by the landlord and tenant, and the laws governing the landlord / tenant relationship—which are usually located in a state’s statutes.

A residential or commercial lease of real property (real estate) allows the tenant or lessee to use the property and the improvements on the property—generally a building structure such as a home, office, store, or warehouse, for example—for a stated purpose (such as for a residential dwelling or the operation of a hair salon) and for a fixed period of time (the term of the lease), in exchange for the payment of rent.

Personal property—including automobiles, computers, heavy equipment, machines, home appliances, and other tangible, movable goods—may also be leased, but the parties to a lease of personal property (as opposed to real property) are not referred to as landlord and tenant, but as lessor and lessee.

In Nebraska, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by the Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for residential leases, and general contract law for commercial leases. The Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It includes provisions on security deposits, lease terms, the rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment, maintenance of the premises, and the process for handling violations of the lease agreement. Landlords must ensure that the property meets basic habitability standards and must make necessary repairs in a timely manner. Tenants are required to maintain the property, abide by the terms of the lease, and pay rent on time. The lease agreement, which is typically in writing, should specify the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, and other terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties. For commercial leases, the terms are more flexible and are often negotiated between the landlord and tenant, with the lease agreement being the primary source of rights and obligations. Nebraska law also distinguishes between real property leases and personal property leases, with the latter involving items such as vehicles or equipment and governed by the Uniform Commercial Code and other relevant statutes.